| Author | Message | ||
     Kcfirebolt |
Hot off the wire. More red meat for all of us to chew on. http://www.ft.com/cms/s/209fe0b8-18a6-11dc-a961-00 0b5df10621.html | ||
| Firebolt020283 |
can we say duc powered buells!!!!!! | ||
| Dbird29 |
Hmmmm | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
Hydraulic lifter Ducati? Think Joe sixpack would accept the "chingy, chingy, chingy" on his Sportster? | ||
| Rubberdown |
Screaming Eagle 1098's Baby!  | ||
| Teeps |
How about a Monster with 12" apes and forward controls? | ||
| Firebolt020283 |
yall really should look at the fact that this would could or might give buell more options in powerplants, mabe it would open up the ability for buell to be sold along side ducs as oposed to HD's which everyone knows aint the greatest idea and im sure there is other good things that could come from it if this was to actually happen | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
If so, I see a raked out 1098 with a 300 rear wheel in our future.  | ||
| Firebolt020283 |
lol well at least buell would no longer be the only sport bike being raped anymore | ||
| Midknyte |
I'd rather see more dev money ported to Erik, and I'd feel a bit slighted if a Duc merger did go thru | ||
| Davegess |
Sounds more like Ducati angling for a partner than anything that is actually being talked about. | ||
| Socalbueller |
If Harley bought Ducati why would they need Buell? Also what would happen to Ducati a couple years down the road? They would probably have parts sourced from all over the world (asia) and lose most of their Italian heritage. | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
Ducati is the Anna Nicole Smith of motorcycle companies. Everyone wants a ride, but no one wants to "buy the cow". That's the problem with "exotics". They have expensive tastes and are always needing money. | ||
| Rocketman |
................and they're the best ride in the world! Rocket | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
No one who pumped ANS claimed any differently either.  | ||
| Smokescreen |
A Ducati made in the US?  It will never happen. Unlike Buell, Ducati has a LONG and rich history. I don't see them falling in line with the corporate war drum beat by H-D. They don't need their demographic, and they sure don't need any marketing help. How many of you can say, "There isn't a Ducati made I don't like"? They listen to their cutomers and produce accordingly. Smokescreen (Message edited by smokescreen on June 12, 2007) | ||
| Buellshyter |
. How many of you can say, "There isn't a Ducati made I don't like"? I know quite a few people that don't like Duc's for various reasons. I'm not one of them, however | ||
| Smokescreen |
I know quite a few people that don't like Duc's for various reasons. What are some of those reasons if you don't mind telling? Price? Maintenance? Style? If a bike doesn't appeal to you, I could understand. Most seem to know they will never afford one so they constantly trash them to anyone who will listen. Money is not the end all be all determining factor for most. And that is where the passion for the machines takes over. It's like a million dollar Ferrari, they sell them because people want them and are willing to make sacrifices to own such a piece of art. Any of that ring a bell here? Smokescreen | ||
| Mr_grumpy |
I just rebuilt the top end of my Buell before I went on my latest trip. A guy pulled up next to me on a ducati at traffic lights & put it in neutral. It frit me to death I thought my baby was dropping to bits! | ||
| Rainman |
I thought about a Ducati once but swore I'd never own a brand with so few dealerships and qualified repair folks with parts so hard to get and a reputation for needing repairs. Instead I bought a Buell  | ||
| Smokescreen |
I thought about a Ducati once but swore I'd never own a brand with so few dealerships and qualified repair folks with parts so hard to get and a reputation for needing repairs. So what you really mean is you decided you couldn't afford it. If it is what you genuinely want, you will buy it. Sounds like you are trying to still justify your "other" choice. It's all a matter of what you want and what you will put up with to be a part of something elite. Just like with H-D's and the Japanese cruiser counterparts. You want to ride something cheap, or do you want to ride something special? Smokescreen | ||
| Koz5150 |
If Harley Owned Ducati, what would they need with Buell??? | ||
| Mikef5000 |
First thing I thought was "Goodbye Buell". I hope it doesn't happen. | ||
| Crusty |
What are some of those reasons if you don't mind telling? Noisy, rattling, tinkling dry clutches; valve actuation designed with maximum moving parts; overly high replacement parts prices. Those are some. | ||
| Blake |
"A Ducati made in the US?" Who hinted anything about building Ducatis in America?  The issue being discussed and reported is the openness of Ducati to a corporate merger with H-D. As to not liking every Ducati ever made... I don't like the Monster models much at all, especially the ugly liquid-cooled version. The faired SS versions of the air-cooled Ducs are okay. I get nauseous looking at the Multistrada. The 749/999 hold no great appeal for me. I totally dig the 748/998 and their prior incarnations. I totally dig the new Hypermotard as far as styling goes. How would it make sense if HDI were to purchase Ducati? I dunno. With Buell rumored to be coming on strong, I don't see it being a reasonable thing. But who knows? I think Ducati is in big trouble and fishing for a rescue. The upside seems to be all Ducati; however from a business standpoint, if HDI can show reasonable expectations for being able to significantly improve Duc market share, might it be a good investment? | ||
| New12r |
Why would Buell go by by? Smoke, what happened to your duc?? Not everyone bashes things they cant afford....I could have bought a Duc, but I like to ride more than look good. | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
I get nauseous looking at the Multistrada. Glad to hear someone else feels the same. I thought I was alone. Other than the MS, I would take any Ducati any day. For the price, level of maintenance, and dealer support the Buell was the better choice for me. I love the sound of the dry clutch and the sound of a Ducati under full song can only be described as: Instant. Auditory. Orgasm. (Message edited by ft_bstrd on June 12, 2007) | ||
| Doerman |
The EBITDA numbers FT was reporting was impressive! It is not a sign of a company in trouble, unless their debt burden is excessive. They are courting a buyer probably because they have big plans that requires big investments. HD is in the same business in the same geographies but in a totally different product category (there is overlap with Buell, but I think HD often forgets they own Buell). Then again, these are Ducati's statements and we have not heard anything from HD if they have the slightest interest. HD has built up a nice pile of cash and an investment of sorts seems to make sense, either in a new product line or by acquisition. This could just be Ducati fishing in the media to pump its value. As for Ducs.. I like some of them. Owned a 900SS at one time and recently rode a friends 999R. I came away with thinking it was just a helibar away from perfection. Sweet bike! I'm not thrilled about the Monsters except the S4R. The Duc sport touring and Multistrada bikes leaves me lukewarm. Asbjorn | ||
| Smokescreen |
Smoke, what happened to your duc?? I had to sell my Monster750 Dark for simple financial reasons. One being, my girlfriend got laid off from work.True, the Monster didn't get rode much after the Buell, that does not mean I miss it any less. Like I said, it's all in what you want. I didn't want to sell my Ducati, I had to. I will own another as soon as I find one like I want. I love my Buell, but I am under no illusion it is the bestbike out there by any stretch of the imagination. Smokescreen (Message edited by smokescreen on June 12, 2007) | ||
| Jlnance |
What are some of those reasons if you don't mind telling? Price? Maintenance? Style? If a bike doesn't appeal to you, I could understand. Most seem to know they will never afford one so they constantly trash them to anyone who will listen. Money is not the end all be all determining factor for most. I like Ducatis, mostly because they look great and are red. Does Ducati make bikes that aren't red? I understand they are fun to ride as well, which would be a plus. Did I mention how sexy they look, and that they are red. I have not yet fallen in love with one to the point I'm willing to buy it. I guess I don't lust after it sufficiently. |
